Cherry Balls Angel Wings

Cherry Balls Angel Wings (Caladium bicolor 'Cherry Balls') is a tropical foliage plant with large, deep green, heart shaped leaves around a dark cherry red heart, and the leaves vary in size from one to the next. It grows 30cm to 60cm tall and wide and brings strong colour to humid shade. Like every caladium it is toxic if chewed, so keep it away from pets and small children.

Why you'll love it

• A dark cherry heart. Deep green leaves surround a rich cherry red centre, a bold contrast that stands out even in shade.
• Colour without flowers. The display comes from the leaves, so it is steady through the warm season rather than a short flush of bloom.
• Natural variety. Leaves vary in size across the plant, which gives it a relaxed, layered look rather than a uniform one.
• Suits pots and borders. Compact enough for a container, it also works at ground level in a tropical bed.
• Back again each spring. It rests through the cooler months and returns when the weather warms, so one plant keeps giving.

Where it works best

Shady corners of tropical gardens. Plant 40cm apart in a group of three or five for a drift of dark green and cherry red under trees or against a shaded wall.

Patio containers. Bright shade beside a covered entry keeps the leaves from scorching, and a deep pot gives the roots room.

Houseplant groupings. Indoors in a well lit room, it pairs with calatheas and ferns, which share its need for warmth and humidity.

Growing Cherry Balls Angel Wings in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a humid, shady, frost free spot with indirect sunlight. That means a tropical or subtropical garden outdoors, or a pot indoors or on a sheltered patio in cooler climates.

Soil. It prefers free draining soil or a good quality potting mix.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then only when the soil seems dry. Feed with liquid fertiliser at half rate every few weeks as it establishes. Caladiums love humidity, so indoors a daily spritz on the leaves helps.

Pruning. Remove any old leaves for a quick tidy up. In the cooler months the foliage may die back as the plant goes dormant. Clear the spent leaves, keep the plant in a dry, dark room and water only every four to six weeks until spring growth returns.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cherry Balls Angel Wings as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, and leaf size will vary as it grows, which is normal for this variety. Plant it out or pot it up soon after it arrives, in warm, humid shade, and keep it away from frost.

Availability of the tube varies, because it comes from our grower rather than from our own shelves, so it is not always available. When it shows as sold out there is none ready, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More tropical plants
• Plants for balconies
• Variegated foliage plants
• Shade gardening in Australia

Common questions

Why are the leaves different sizes?

Cherry Balls varies naturally in leaf size, so a single plant will carry larger and smaller leaves together. That is normal, not a sign of poor health.

How often should I feed it?

Use a liquid fertiliser at half the label rate every few weeks while the plant establishes. Stop feeding when the leaves die back for the cooler months and the plant goes dormant.

Is it safe around dogs and cats?

No. Caladium is toxic if chewed and can irritate the mouth and throat. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.